How to Negotiate Your First Job Offer (Without Losing It)

Short answer: thank them, ask for time to review the full offer, research what the role pays, then make one clear, polite counter based on the whole package. Most employers expect a candidate to ask, and a professional request rarely costs you the offer.

Step 1: Don't say yes on the call

Thank the recruiter warmly and ask for the offer in writing. Then ask for a short window to review it, usually 24 to 72 hours. Asking for time is normal and signals you take the decision seriously.

Step 2: Look at the whole package, not just salary

• Base salary and any bonus

• Title and level

• Start date

• Vacation and flexibility (remote or hybrid days)

• Signing bonus, relocation, or learning budget

If the salary can't move, one of these often can.

Step 3: Find your number

Check salary ranges for the same title and city on public pay data, job postings that list pay ranges, and people you know in the field. Pick a specific number near the top of a realistic range, and decide in advance the lowest offer you would accept.

Step 4: Make one clear counter

Lead with enthusiasm, then the ask, then one or two reasons tied to the role. Keep it short. One example you can adapt:

"I'm really excited about this role and the team. Based on my research for this position and the skills I'd bring, I was hoping for a base salary closer to [number]. Is there flexibility there?"

Step 5: Handle the answer calmly

• If they say yes: thank them and get the updated offer in writing.

• If they meet you partway: you can accept, or ask about one other item, such as start date or vacation.

• If they say the budget is fixed: ask whether anything else in the package can move, then decide.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Giving a number before you've researched the role

• Apologizing for asking

• Countering on five things at once

• Accepting on the spot because you feel pressured

Want the full plan?

Delega's Negotiate the Offer guide walks you through evaluating the whole package, preparing your anchor and trade-offs, ready-to-use scripts, and a 72-hour planning framework you can adapt to the employer's deadline.

About the author: Camille Anne Rancourt is a former P&G Key Account Executive and today a director at a publicly traded company. She writes Delega's career guides for ambitious women.